Canseco jailed for violating probation

MIAMI -- Jose Canseco was sent to jail Tuesday after violating his probation for a 2001 nightclub brawl.

The former Devil Rays slugger could be held until a scheduled March 17 hearing, Judge Leonard E. Glick ruled.

"I understand that I have to take responsibility," Canseco said. "I ask for the mercy and understanding of the court."

Shortly after, Glick ordered Canseco into custody.

"No bond," Glick said.

Wearing a dark double-breasted suit, Canseco, 38, handed his wallet and a thick silver necklace to his lawyer before being led out of the courtroom, his hands cuffed behind his back.

Glick issued a warrant for Canseco's arrest Friday after being told that the six-time All-Star had failed to begin anger control classes and community service and that he had left Florida for longer than 30 days.

BONDS' SURGERY MINOR: Barry Bonds is scheduled for minor surgery on his left elbow today, and the Giants slugger is expected to miss a few days of workouts.

The five-time MVP complained of tenderness to team trainer Stan Conte after arriving at camp. Conte said the pain stems from surgery in 1999, when doctors repaired a tear in Bonds' left triceps and removed a bone spur from the back of his elbow.

ROSE SAGA: Commissioner Bud Selig says the majority of Hall of Famers will have no impact on whether he lets Pete Rose back into baseball.

Selig told ESPN Radio he still plans to meet with Hall of Famers as a group, but only after determining whether to remove Rose from the suspended list.

DODGERS: Right-hander Kevin Brown plans to start the season in the majors after missing much of the past two seasons with injuries. "I feel fine," he said after reporting to Vero Beach. "We're going to find out in five weeks just how good it is, but at this point, I'm happy with where things are."

EXPOS: Montreal might not have to cut as much of its payroll after winning its arbitration case against right-hander Javier Vazquez. Arbitrators ruled in favor of the club's $6-million offer for this season over Vazquez's request for $7.15-million.

Matsui in action

TAMPA -- Joe Torre walked onto the field to watch Hideki Matsui in action for the first time, and the Yankees manager was taken aback.

Legends Field was packed with so many reporters that New York's first full workout of the spring looked like a postseason game. About 1,500 fans were in the seats to watch batting practice.

Matsui sure brings a crowd.

"Wow, look at this group," Torre said. "I didn't anticipate that many people in the stands."

Japanese television stations went live to the ballpark before the morning workout, which started at 12:30 a.m. back home. NHK manned a high-definition camera above the centerfield fence.

Matsui hit four home runs in 51 swings during his first official batting practice. He started by taking 39 swings over four rounds with a fungo bat, then hit with his regular wood, connecting twice for homers in his final 12 swings.

MONDESI UNDECIDED: Outfielder Raul Mondesi has not ruled out playing after the 2003 season.

Mondesi, 32, indicated during the offseason that the upcoming season would be his last. He is in the final year of his contract.

PHILLIES: Reliever Turk Wendell has been in Clearwater since Feb. 2 and is hoping to make a strong comeback this season after missing all last year with an acute case of tendinitis in his right elbow that required surgery.

"I think right now he's right where he wants to be," manager Larry Bowa said. "Coop (trainer Jeff Cooper) is very happy with his progress. He throwing all his pitches, but we're going to take it slow with him. When Coop tells me he's ready to pitch in a game, that's when he'll pitch."